No contempt for Gonzales
MANILA – The Senate impeachment court will not cite Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzalez II for allegedly bullying and threatening Navotas City Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco to prevent him from testifying at the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Presiding SenatorJudge Juan Ponce Enrile said the impeachment court has no jurisdiction over Gonzales, who is a ranking member of the House of Representatives. Gonzales is also the majority leader.
“Paano namin ikocontempt si Congressman Gonzales? We have no jurisdiction over him,” Enrile said in an interview with reporters.
He added that the court will deny the motion of the defense team to cite the legislator for contempt.
“We will deny it... We’re not a super court,” Enrile said.
Defense lawyers alleged that Gonzales should be held for contempt of court for bullying Tobias, whom he threatened with expulsion from the House of Representatives.
Gonzales in interviews yesterday said that Tiangco should prepare for possible expulsion proceedings following his testimony at the impeachment court.
In interviews yesterday, Gonzales said that a lot of congressmen, particularly those who signed the impeachment complaint against Corona, are angry at Tobias.
During yesterday’s trial, Enrile also announced that the Senate will not summon other members of the House of Representatives, which is a co-equal branch of the Senate.
The defense had asked the Senate to issue subpoenas to Cavite Rep. Crispin Remulla, Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
“Given that, the Senate court is to rule that we cannot by compulsory process subpoena any member of the House of Representatives to appear as adverse witness,” Enrile said.
Senator- judges had advised the defense panel to ask the three congressmen to voluntarily testify.
The defense said that they have already talked to the congressmen and they have expressed willingness to testify. However, the lawmakers wanted to be summoned by the Senate before appearing at the trial.